A threading die is a tool that help cut threads into a piece of metal rod. Threading die is necessary for creating bolts and screws from a custom piece of metal material. If an individual dont have access to a bolt with a pre-existing thread, the threading die will allow for the creation of the bolt.
The threading die will allow for the metal rod to create a permanent fit with other metal component. Additionally, the threading die will ensure the metal rod can connect to other metal components with a nut. The correct type of threading die must be used because there is various types of die for specific applications.
How to Use a Threading Die
Two of the most common types is solid and adjustable dies. Solid dies maintain the diameter of the metal rod but do not allow the die to make adjustment to the size of the threads that the die creates. For adjustable dies, there is a split in the tool that allow for adjustments to be made to the size of the threads that are being cut into the metal rod.
Additionally, specialized dies are necessary for metals or applications with specific requirement for the threads, such as NPT dies for plumbing application or Acme dies for lead screws. A die stock is the handle that holds the threading die. The threading die must match the size of the die stock.
The outer diameter of the threading die must match the diameter of the die stock. If the threading die does not match the diameter of the die stock, the threading die may tilt during the cutting of the metal rod. Additionally, if the threading die tilts, the threads will be crooked.
Crooked threads cannot be corrected; hence, the metal rod will have to be cut and started again from a new metal rod. Cutting threads with the threading die requires specific movement to ensure that the metal rod is not damaged during the process. You must turn the threading die a quarter turn to cut the metal rod.
The threading die must be turned in the opposite direction to break the metal chips that are produced during the cutting of the metal rod. Breaking the metal chips prevent the metal from packing into the threading die and ruining the finish of the threads. Stainless steel work-hardens when it is cut; hence, it becomes increasingly hard to cut with the threading die as it continues to cut into the metal rod.
Lubrication is required when cutting metal rods with a threading die. For metal rods made of steel or stainless steel, you can use a sulfurized oil. For aluminum rods, you can use a light spray lubrication.
Some form of lubrication must be used when cutting metal rods; otherwise, the threading die may weld itself to the metal rod. Additionally, the die welding to the metal rod will result in a jaggedly tear in the threads created by the die. Hence, lubrication prevents the die from damaging the metal rod.
Before the threading die is used on a metal rod, the rod must be prepared. A chamfer must be filed into the end of the metal rod. The chamfer will provide a landing zone for the threading die to grip the metal rod.
Additionally, the threading die will remain square to the metal rod if a chamfer is filed into the metal rod. The threading die will allow for the cut bolt to properly fit in a nut. The metal rod that will be cut must have the correct diameter for the threads to be created by the threading die.
However, the metal rod does not have to be exactly the size of the threads that will be created. The metal rod should be slightly smaller in diameter than the size of the threads. If the metal rod were the same size as the threads, the threading die would of have to move the metal a significant amount to create the threads.
Additionally, if the die moves too much metal, it could break. By making the metal rod slightly undersized for the threads, the threading die will glide through the metal more easy. Finally, the metal rod must be continuously monitor while the threading die cuts the metal rod.
During the process, the feel and sound of the threading die will indicate whether the metal chips are breaking correct.
